Over the past year I've placed myself in the position of having to produce by shooting sports and social events for the local newspaper. "Give us between 75 and 150 photos by midnight" is not exactly a recipe for excellence, but I still find myself striving for some measure of perfection in what I do. My landscape and what I would consider "personal" photography that I enjoy takes a back seat to the photography I must do. Like you, I seem to have a crisis on my hands. Unlike you, I don't have to produce new content and new art to make a living. This is all still just a hobby for me. In the next five to ten years as I retire from being a civil servant, I want this to be my career. So like you, moving from public service to something that requires its own excellence at its own pace is something I want and need to learn. You are helping me with that. Thank you.
I used to go out into the countryside or to the coast to take photographs. Now I just go out into the countryside or to the coast to enjoy them fo rwhat they are. No pressure to get any images often means that my pictures are better.
Don't pressurise yourself, you are a quality photographer but remember, photography is about enjoyment, not pressure. Easier said than done I know. We all go through these periods where we don't think we are producing the goods. You've done sports as you say so you know you can't play a good game every time. Love how you can find images where many people would walk past them.
Hi Adam! Thanks for this video. I loved all the images, including the one you were doubtful about. I always used to feel disappointed if I didn’t come back with an image, but thanks to many of your previous videos and from watching a few other landscape photographers, as well as your interview with Charlie Waite, I have learned to appreciate the time out in the landscape and engaging with nature. When I come back with a half-decent photograph, it is the icing on the cake for me. I have only gone out once this month - early last Sunday morning - and I did come back with two photographs of the same scene and like them both. Neither are award winners. I picked up 50 plus mosquito bites on each leg in the process. I’m adding bug spray as a permanent addition to my camera bag. After I made the photographs, I then went on a longer walk and didn’t even get the camera out, but enjoyed my hour and a half of engaging with nature, feeling a soft breeze on my face and hearing bird song compete with the noise of a nearby motorway, so much so, that I did not even upload my photographs until much later that night; the photographs were second to the experience. I don’t play sports, so I am not so competitive by nature. I have been full of doubt about my photography and in a creative black hole for over a year now. But your videos and your book have inspired me to press on. I do believe the results will come eventually, and I am feeling more confident. Now that we’ve got our eldest son off to university, I should be able to get out more often. I always feel better when I come home from a landscape expedition, even if I only come home with memories and a load of insect bites. Since I started posting on Vero about three weeks ago - less than 20 photographs so far, with only one new image (last Sunday) - I don’t feel the pressure from Instagram to post every day, which is really nice.
Let's just sum this up, 152,000 subscribers, talented photographer, nice videos and editing with good narrating and yet self doubt? Screw this mate kick the doubt and negatives into touch and continue with what you do so well, self criticism is OK but there comes a point when the inner voice must tell it to go away (i was going to say another couple of words but not appropriate) looking forward to the next video.
Adam, I love your work and videos, you are a great photographer and tremendous communicator. Your down to earth transparency about your feelings is encouraging. But I want to express a thought, there is no "Mother Nature" all the magnificent creation was made by The Sovereign Creator, God for our enjoyment. He created it all!
For me there are always multiple goals. Fresh air. Exercise. Quiet time. Creative exploration. A good photo is very welcome but by no means the measure of success or failure of the day. Getting out is a win and frankly a joy and a privilege in our beautiful country.
Never doubt yourself Adam, you make some incredible images, those bloody flies were doing my head in just watching them! how you managed to keep yourself going with them buzzing about amazes me 🙂atb.
I grew up with non supportive parents and drove to become extremely competitive. Although out my military career and now as a photographer I find myself always saying my photos are good enough or that I'm wasting my time. But, as I've gotten older I realize that while putting my photo out there will create both joy, negative comments, I have learned that the only one that need to be competitive with is myself. And the joy I feel and disappointed when I miss a shot is normal and I don't have to prove my worth or my style of photography to anyone. But seriously Adam, for what's worth you are driving force behind some of my shots that I wouldn't have tried without getting out of my comfort zone..
Yet another great photo from your hands, Adam. Don't be hard on yourself - I think you always produce images that have emotion and story and are just stunning. You also willingly share your thoughts, knowledge and experience for us to enjoy, draw inspiration from and learn from. Thank you! I've said it before but I really love your work.
Wow! You are working hard Adam, another great video. Now I am not one for blowing smoke up folks bottoms but I have to say this. You are one of the few pro's on here who actually produces original work. In this video you have made great images from scenes most people walk past. This takes skill. As for being a bad looser I was ....am the opposite in that I can handle ish not winning as an individual, but as part of a team I was never happy, mainly because some of the rugby teams I played for were better in the bar than on the field. I am ex Command Engineer and I sense like you, was involved in training and inspiring others. What some don't realise is there is no off switch for this, and we are still driven in anything and everything we do. We have to be very careful this doesn't "overdrive" our photography. Anyone who can walk into a completely new area and then produce images like you have should be confident in there skills!! Thanks for posting.
I really feel you, you hit so many strings with me. I would still love a day out with you but after so long now I am sure it will never happen. Your a really good guy and you should go a little easier on yourself.
Great work Adam and totally agree with how you feel as I am very similar to the way you describe yourself. It is always easy to say from the third parties point of view "change" or "just don't be like that!". The moment that changed me was when I realised I was how I was, if that makes sense! Now in my late 50's this has allowed me to manage myself and my feelings better.
Thanks for sharing all the emotions, it's all too common for people doing videos to make it sound very mechanical. Great photography and artwork is always the melding of skills and emotion and sometimes they fight. When they strengthen each other, then magic happens. I've found that the more deliberate and conscious I am about my photography, the less satisfied I usually am with the results. It's partly that my skills don't allow fluent communication, but also that the emotions are in conflict. I really appreciate your candour when talking about your journey the struggles entailed.
It's interesting because I'm a (recovering...?) perfectionist, and from early on photography for me has actually been about letting go of that instinct and first and foremost enjoying myself. I made a conscious decision that when I'm out to not worry about either the conditions or the results, but to instead be present and follow my curiosity. I'm not perfect with it but it's served me really well, particularly on holidays where time is limited. I really feel it allows me to make the most of my experiences. Funnily enough I'm just editing my latest video where I talk about this. Of course when you're dependant on it for income letting go may be harder to do, but I'm glad to see that by the end of your day out you were really present appreciating the experience. You got some lovely images - the light and heather are superb!
that flies... terrible :D Hi Adam, you talked about winning and losing when going to a location and trying to get an good photograph - and i absolutely can relate that. even when i am just in the fields right behind the house AND got the camera with me, i got a feeling that i need! to get a good image now. everything else seems like totally messing up - even if i grab the camera "just in case of awesome opportunities i don't expect yet" that sometime really bothers me and it gets worse when i am on a trip i can't repeat to soon or even at all. And speaking of confidence: As someone who watches your channel regularly and maybe bought your book to, i'd like to say: maybe you just hit my taste of art or you got a "good photographic eye" ;) but no matter what it actually is i like your images and your way of seeing or more SHOWING the world. It also helps me from time to time seeing other persons have that problem with the lack of confidence, too, so thank you for being this open and honest! i mean, you could play the cool-and-never-struggling-tough-guy for the camera, but you don't. keep it up, you're awesome! :) PS: if this comment is partially the same as others below - it's still personal and i didn't read the other comments before writing :D
You need to stop being hard on yourself, Adam. I recommend abandoning social media altogether. The mental cost/value equation just isn’t there. Your images are always glorious; and creating art has no justifiable parallel with competitive sport, so you need to jettison that, too. If this whole thing ceases to bring you pleasure, you might as well stop. But please don’t, because the world needs your perspective on this magical practice of landscape photography. 🙂
Adam, I love your videos. So much of you, your passion for seeking comfort and enjoyment from photography. Difficult times ahead (financially for us all) so I hope you can find a way to keep the good work going. Well done again.
I just love your videos. On the one hand - very practical and on the other, so inspirational. Makes me want to get out more and make more images. I very much enjoy your thoughtful approach to your art and your beautiful images. Thank you for sharing your journey.
I think the pressure you put on yourself to get an image comes from being on TH-cam. If you're just out for a shoot without doing a video and you don't get an image, who knows and who cares? But TH-cam photographers are usually loathe to document a photography failure. That said, Heaton occasionally has; and while I'm no Heaton, I have too. Failure happens more often than most non-photographers know. It's part of the process and one cannot grow creatively without occasionally failing.
Great content Adam ..excellent captures .You’ve set me off with looking at Lexar sd cards ..I normally buy Sandisk .Lexar are half the price , thank you x
As always, thank you Adam (even if I don't comment enough). I think the slump may have to do with the changing seasons. For me, I notice I tend to get a bit doubtful, but I think that's also because I can't travel much. Taking photos of the same area will have me thinking I'm running out of good ideas.
Adam you’re pics are amazing buddy. I struggle with confidence and feel that the narrative I want to tell no body is listening. That last image is so emotional it spurs me on . You really have a special talent in sharing the wonders of our home . Thank you.
three exceptional images Adam and get what you were saying about pressures to upload. I saw a bit of traction last year on my IG account and attributed it to a regular run of posting images and started to feel the need to post for the sake of posting but I have realised that is not what I am about so I still post but it's back to the point where I feel motivated to process what I have taken and then post thereafter
I haven’t really gone out and shot anything since I moved to the US. My interest kicked up a little while ago and I’ve been buried in your videos, Nigel’s vids and recently James’ Ps stuff. To say you’ve all inspired me to get off my arse and get back out with the camera is an understatement. Thank you.
@@Firstmanphotography man - you do a great job - we love your videos - listen to your audience - I could not do what you do and nearly all the people who watch these videos have not idea the work involved,
Mate, you do a fantastic job. You’re putting this stuff together and basically giving it away for free. You shouldn’t underestimate the impact your passion and skill has on others. Your videos have done what 10 years away has never achieved - you made me a little homesick.
The first mono picture was OK but when all the colour was creeping in to your other pictures I thought why shoot mono! everything was screaming colour but you must of had your reasons, overall it was a great photo shoot with you again in a stunning location, well done Adam and thanks for taking us there....
Thank you for your work, and perspective. I like your channel for the mental health aspects of landscape photography. You do you, never chase those views and the views will come.
@4:00 a pano might look good on those trees, with a little heather at the bottom... I like your monochrome. I don't get the pressure to creat because my main gig is Accounting. We have the same tripod... I'm taking it to the Faroes next year and I'm worried its a bit heavy. Not sure how you didn't eat a fly or two during this vlog :) Freaking awesome shot there at the end Adam! Well done.
I think staking your opinion of the outing on one criteria (landscape) is the flaw- I have a pal , we meet at a local beach , shoot the dawn landscapes and have a coffee and a natter afterwards ... last week I told him I was going but he couldn't make it ... a bit slow and sad heading out at dawn to drive over there ... ended up meeting another shooter , a model and spent the morning shooting with them - now we are planning a shoot with grinders and sparks ... restricting yourself to one genre is n(to me) the flaw
Adam, this is a wonderful, video, You are a 1st class professional photographer, your eye for a composition is fantastic & you understand the fors & against of the environment being captured is second to non. You are a grounded level headed professional who doesn't faulter in the work produced & the advice being offered. I follow a few Pro photographers on You tube but always find myself visiting your channel before the others. Your work is great mate & as for having doubts about your recent work, put them to bed mate & carry on producing the results you are
Lovely last image Adam - all achieved whilst being hounded by ALL those flies! Keep up the good work, always look forward to your video's. Many thanks.
Great video and important points. I work within a 'lower' context in terms of skill, quality and quantity but I constantly struggle. I'm never satisfied technically nor visually (within, again, my lesser context) but by far my biggest struggle is for good landscape / nature subject matter. I live in a flat and "mono" environment, so to speak, in that it's all very much alike. There are no hills, no cliffs, no waterfalls, no vistas, no mountain lakes, etc. so finding compositions is my biggest struggle ...and naturally the sweeping / visceral scenes are what really appeal to me. Naturally. 🙂 So it's a struggle to (what often feels like) invent subject matter. I totally get it.
Have you considered shooting at a super low angle, perhaps no more than a couple of cm's of the ground. Even flat boring and featureless landscapes can be turned into a world of canyons peaks and mountains when the viewpoint is that of an ant. Add to that rain, snow, frost or ice and your vista you are looking for is right under your feet, full of texture pattern, light and shadows.
@@GeoffMoorePhotography That's definitely an idea, actually one that I've tried. It's possible to get an abstracted pseudo "landscape" that way but it's not quite the same as having the real thing in front of you. 🙂 I live in Louisiana (US) and most rural places are either private / commercial farmland, dense under-grown pine forest or (often flooded) swamp. But I'm still looking -- Maybe there's an uncharted mountain lurking somewhere! LOL Thanks.
@@lphilpot01 swamps you say.... Clyde Butcher springs to mind. Might be some inspiration to be had. I appreciate your view on hoping to find a mountain hehe, I'm landlocked in middle of England, with flat market garden farmland so I long for the coast. Found a couple of rivers 😀
Beautiful images Adam. I really struggle to post regularly, working full time doesn't give time to get out and about with the camera. I do feel that unless you post a few times a week then interest in your work drops off , well in my case anyway.
The images were awesome Adam, I think your being too hard on yourself. Your a fantastic knowledgeable photographer, that’s why we’re here to learn from you. Yes I have friends that try to post content on social media every day..some every hour. There is no need to put that pressure on one’s self then it’s not fun, at least for me. No your not going to get a special shot every time….but you got out and tried, and saw nature good or bad….I feel bad for all those stuck on the couch..😊
I don't feel pressure uploading to social media but I do feel frustration coming home with nothing especially after a 2 hrs drive ...the joys of irish weather
In response to your question, I think not photographing anything on an outing shows that you're being intentional and selective in your compositions. Certainly, if I come across something that strikes me when I had a quite different idea in my head, I flex and take the shot. But I'm okay with going out and occasionally returning without having triggered my shutter. And I still got to be out in nature on those occasions.
Adam, a great image and I really appreciate your motivational thoughts on the environment and the appreciation that you show towards nature. Self-doubt will keep you humble and push you to always strive to be better. Great work and keep it up!
You shoot RAW, Maybe change the Jpeg settings for your monitor display? Maybe your settings for the Jpeg are too flat and not providing enough contrast. When I look at the back of my camera I see a rich vibrant image. That provides an lift in my mood.
Hy Adam, some stunning heather shown in this video and i think having some time in the great outdoors is the medication required in today's world of doom and gloom, or simply ignoring the media also works.. I also think you often dont have to travel far, but rather temper your expectations and enjoy what you have around you for what it is, often I find what I thought was 'boring' ends up revealing something I have never noticed before and inspiration and motivation naturally forms from this. You mention confidence in your photography, I wonder if this a continuous sine wave experienced by all creatives at some point or other (imho)... many start off with knowing little about photography (insert craft here) and have little confidence with the camera and what images they produce. As one develops with experience and practice, confidence then builds, producing a soft arrogance, "I know what to do, and how to do it" this period lasts a while.... and then the mastering of the craft starts to happen, you become less confident in what your producing, you question your output, you question the perceived quality through your eyes of experience and emotion, out of know where you suddenly have expectations in creating something better than last week, last month or last year.... The trap is to fall for that negative view that competition with oneself and constantly comparing yourself with yourself and to others! rather we as creatives should embrace the slow days, the down time the lack of creativity. use that time to reflect on the accomplishments, reflect on the journey and the progress of our peers and understand that crisis of confidence in our art, is required, like sleep; to expand upon our understanding and relationship without selves and our craft to guide us on what we like and what we don't like to motivate us to follow that instinct, and not to be to hard on yourself... the world has plenty of those people who will do that to you for free... I think, if your kind to yourself, take some time to 'play', then you will come full circle, your 'art' returns and you grow. Geoff.
Great video and respect for environment again Adam. Your photography has always been superb Adam so that's not a thing you need worry about. Its true we all have our issues in life but your photography is not one you need worry about. At least not from where I sit.
Ruts are difficult to get out of. You do have the added need to produce content, which may add pressure, but also forces you to look at scenes critically. Out of this comes great inspiration. Well done! Personally, I have spent the entire winter (Australia) shooting sports for the local clubs and am finding it difficult to get out and use the camera for what I love.
Personally I both feel the need to constantly post photos on social media however also not. However while I'm trying to grow my presene, hence the wanting to post more, I'm also not at a critical mass or anything (around 100 followers if that) so I both feel and don't feel the pressure. That said I also find it hard to be productive photo wise because of my job and also not being ble to travel far atm, which when you're not as thrilled with your local area picture wise as you could be because you're always there... so that alone leaves me with less things to post on social media too.
It's very normal to feel under pressure because we often criticize ourselves harshly. but yeah, I do believe that everyone has trouble sharing things on social media.
Lovely as always Adam, I have been to this location a few times and its gorgeous but I have struggled to find really nice compositions, your video inspires me to keep trying so thank you!
That's a lovely shot, Adam. As for pressure? I think the pressure for me is in weekly videos and I think that's showing in some recent ones. I don't post much on Insta or Faceache so don't feel the pressure there, but the weekly vid certainly can be challenging. One of my biggest issues is still self doubt. It's hard, Adam. Keep making great images.
Hi There!. Awesome photos and great video. Really inspiring. I would like to add that in my case, the reason I do photography is to capture the beauty that surrounds me and the reason I posted it in social me is to share that beauty with people, hoping they might learn to admire and see beauty in nature and all things as I do... best regards!...
Absolutely. Can be a vital tool. Apart from making perfect panoramas its also great for keeping vertical lines straight and controlling the focus plane.
I keep forgetting to ask how your eyesight is fairing Adam? I remember watching the video when you first mentioned you were having problems. On the subject of feeling like I constantly need to be uploading photos to social media.. yes, that a bit of an issue for me. It's been about three weeks since I posted anything on Instagram and I feel like people will have forgotten about me!
I always compare landscape photography with fishing....you can fish for hours, have the right conditions, have the correct bait, cast in the right areas but sometimes after hours of fishing....you end up with no fish.Landscape photography is exactly the same.
Hi Adam, I think your a bit hard on yourself old mate, the last image was a cracker. I’ve learnt that if your shoot images to suit what you like is all that matters, start believing in yourself 👍
Photographers should broaden their Photography. No need to leave without a photo. Landscape doesn't work, go for macro or wildlife. Maybe an old cottage with flower garden. Don't constrain ones self with one type of Photography.
These photos have a soul and the tree is fantastic✌️
Over the past year I've placed myself in the position of having to produce by shooting sports and social events for the local newspaper. "Give us between 75 and 150 photos by midnight" is not exactly a recipe for excellence, but I still find myself striving for some measure of perfection in what I do. My landscape and what I would consider "personal" photography that I enjoy takes a back seat to the photography I must do. Like you, I seem to have a crisis on my hands. Unlike you, I don't have to produce new content and new art to make a living. This is all still just a hobby for me. In the next five to ten years as I retire from being a civil servant, I want this to be my career. So like you, moving from public service to something that requires its own excellence at its own pace is something I want and need to learn. You are helping me with that. Thank you.
A beautiful final shot! You might to try a bug head net over a brimmed hat. The bugs will still swarm but not be able to get to your skin at least.
Great vid; great shots. Hope this restores your Mojo.
Beautiful capture.
I used to go out into the countryside or to the coast to take photographs. Now I just go out into the countryside or to the coast to enjoy them fo rwhat they are.
No pressure to get any images often means that my pictures are better.
Well done!
Fantastic vlog! Love the images
Great shots Adam 😃
Fantastic shot, Adam!
Some cracking images Adam, superb
Don't pressurise yourself, you are a quality photographer but remember, photography is about enjoyment, not pressure. Easier said than done I know. We all go through these periods where we don't think we are producing the goods. You've done sports as you say so you know you can't play a good game every time. Love how you can find images where many people would walk past them.
WOW!
Well done 👏🏼
Thanks for an honest down to earth video 🌿🌅
Such a beautiful end result. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Hi Adam! Thanks for this video. I loved all the images, including the one you were doubtful about. I always used to feel disappointed if I didn’t come back with an image, but thanks to many of your previous videos and from watching a few other landscape photographers, as well as your interview with Charlie Waite, I have learned to appreciate the time out in the landscape and engaging with nature. When I come back with a half-decent photograph, it is the icing on the cake for me. I have only gone out once this month - early last Sunday morning - and I did come back with two photographs of the same scene and like them both. Neither are award winners. I picked up 50 plus mosquito bites on each leg in the process. I’m adding bug spray as a permanent addition to my camera bag. After I made the photographs, I then went on a longer walk and didn’t even get the camera out, but enjoyed my hour and a half of engaging with nature, feeling a soft breeze on my face and hearing bird song compete with the noise of a nearby motorway, so much so, that I did not even upload my photographs until much later that night; the photographs were second to the experience. I don’t play sports, so I am not so competitive by nature.
I have been full of doubt about my photography and in a creative black hole for over a year now. But your videos and your book have inspired me to press on. I do believe the results will come eventually, and I am feeling more confident. Now that we’ve got our eldest son off to university, I should be able to get out more often. I always feel better when I come home from a landscape expedition, even if I only come home with memories and a load of insect bites.
Since I started posting on Vero about three weeks ago - less than 20 photographs so far, with only one new image (last Sunday) - I don’t feel the pressure from Instagram to post every day, which is really nice.
Let's just sum this up, 152,000 subscribers, talented photographer, nice videos and editing with good narrating and yet self doubt? Screw this mate kick the doubt and negatives into touch and continue with what you do so well, self criticism is OK but there comes a point when the inner voice must tell it to go away (i was going to say another couple of words but not appropriate) looking forward to the next video.
Adam, I love your work and videos, you are a great photographer and tremendous communicator. Your down to earth transparency about your feelings is encouraging. But I want to express a thought, there is no "Mother Nature" all the magnificent creation was made by The Sovereign Creator, God for our enjoyment. He created it all!
For me there are always multiple goals. Fresh air. Exercise. Quiet time. Creative exploration. A good photo is very welcome but by no means the measure of success or failure of the day. Getting out is a win and frankly a joy and a privilege in our beautiful country.
Super video, Adam. That last sunset shot is a real beauty 👏
Sidebar: I switched to Lexar because of you. I'll never go back. Thank you!
Never doubt yourself Adam, you make some incredible images, those bloody flies were doing my head in just watching them! how you managed to keep yourself going with them buzzing about amazes me 🙂atb.
I grew up with non supportive parents and drove to become extremely competitive. Although out my military career and now as a photographer I find myself always saying my photos are good enough or that I'm wasting my time. But, as I've gotten older I realize that while putting my photo out there will create both joy, negative comments, I have learned that the only one that need to be competitive with is myself. And the joy I feel and disappointed when I miss a shot is normal and I don't have to prove my worth or my style of photography to anyone. But seriously Adam, for what's worth you are driving force behind some of my shots that I wouldn't have tried without getting out of my comfort zone..
A poignant video Adam. We all get into a creative funk and self doubt. You pushed through it an got some awesome shots!
That final image is fantastic. Looks like a great afternoon of photography.
Yet another great photo from your hands, Adam. Don't be hard on yourself - I think you always produce images that have emotion and story and are just stunning. You also willingly share your thoughts, knowledge and experience for us to enjoy, draw inspiration from and learn from. Thank you!
I've said it before but I really love your work.
Wow! You are working hard Adam, another great video. Now I am not one for blowing smoke up folks bottoms but I have to say this. You are one of the few pro's on here who actually produces original work. In this video you have made great images from scenes most people walk past. This takes skill. As for being a bad looser I was ....am the opposite in that I can handle ish not winning as an individual, but as part of a team I was never happy, mainly because some of the rugby teams I played for were better in the bar than on the field. I am ex Command Engineer and I sense like you, was involved in training and inspiring others. What some don't realise is there is no off switch for this, and we are still driven in anything and everything we do. We have to be very careful this doesn't "overdrive" our photography. Anyone who can walk into a completely new area and then produce images like you have should be confident in there skills!! Thanks for posting.
Thanks Chris. This kind of meaningful response is very much appreciated.
I really feel you, you hit so many strings with me. I would still love a day out with you but after so long now I am sure it will never happen. Your a really good guy and you should go a little easier on yourself.
Great work Adam and totally agree with how you feel as I am very similar to the way you describe yourself. It is always easy to say from the third parties point of view "change" or "just don't be like that!". The moment that changed me was when I realised I was how I was, if that makes sense! Now in my late 50's this has allowed me to manage myself and my feelings better.
Thanks for sharing all the emotions, it's all too common for people doing videos to make it sound very mechanical. Great photography and artwork is always the melding of skills and emotion and sometimes they fight. When they strengthen each other, then magic happens.
I've found that the more deliberate and conscious I am about my photography, the less satisfied I usually am with the results. It's partly that my skills don't allow fluent communication, but also that the emotions are in conflict. I really appreciate your candour when talking about your journey the struggles entailed.
Beautifully put. Thanks so much.
All good shots.
It's interesting because I'm a (recovering...?) perfectionist, and from early on photography for me has actually been about letting go of that instinct and first and foremost enjoying myself. I made a conscious decision that when I'm out to not worry about either the conditions or the results, but to instead be present and follow my curiosity. I'm not perfect with it but it's served me really well, particularly on holidays where time is limited. I really feel it allows me to make the most of my experiences. Funnily enough I'm just editing my latest video where I talk about this. Of course when you're dependant on it for income letting go may be harder to do, but I'm glad to see that by the end of your day out you were really present appreciating the experience. You got some lovely images - the light and heather are superb!
Beautiful 😀
Thank you! 😊
that flies... terrible :D
Hi Adam,
you talked about winning and losing when going to a location and trying to get an good photograph - and i absolutely can relate that. even when i am just in the fields right behind the house AND got the camera with me, i got a feeling that i need! to get a good image now. everything else seems like totally messing up - even if i grab the camera "just in case of awesome opportunities i don't expect yet" that sometime really bothers me and it gets worse when i am on a trip i can't repeat to soon or even at all.
And speaking of confidence:
As someone who watches your channel regularly and maybe bought your book to, i'd like to say: maybe you just hit my taste of art or you got a "good photographic eye" ;) but no matter what it actually is i like your images and your way of seeing or more SHOWING the world. It also helps me from time to time seeing other persons have that problem with the lack of confidence, too, so thank you for being this open and honest! i mean, you could play the cool-and-never-struggling-tough-guy for the camera, but you don't.
keep it up, you're awesome! :)
PS: if this comment is partially the same as others below - it's still personal and i didn't read the other comments before writing :D
Thank you for honesty it hits home every time
Cheers Andy
Wow, that last sunset photo really knocked my socks off! The colors and composition are spectacular! Well done, sir. Well done.
You need to stop being hard on yourself, Adam. I recommend abandoning social media altogether. The mental cost/value equation just isn’t there. Your images are always glorious; and creating art has no justifiable parallel with competitive sport, so you need to jettison that, too. If this whole thing ceases to bring you pleasure, you might as well stop. But please don’t, because the world needs your perspective on this magical practice of landscape photography. 🙂
Adam, I love your videos. So much of you, your passion for seeking comfort and enjoyment from photography. Difficult times ahead (financially for us all) so I hope you can find a way to keep the good work going. Well done again.
always great to see a new video post adam.....Press on!! And be well.....
Thanks Rodney
Thank you Adam, your emotional! So am I, wow, what a great image again, and you beat the bugs. Great .
You are very lucky, down here in Bedfordshire our Heather is dry, withered and horrible right now.
Same at Westleton Heath near Dunwich. Very scorched.
I love tge b/w mate and tge last 1 you took at tge end ... Great shoot and video....😁😁😁😁
I just love your videos. On the one hand - very practical and on the other, so inspirational. Makes me want to get out more and make more images. I very much enjoy your thoughtful approach to your art and your beautiful images. Thank you for sharing your journey.
I think the pressure you put on yourself to get an image comes from being on TH-cam. If you're just out for a shoot without doing a video and you don't get an image, who knows and who cares? But TH-cam photographers are usually loathe to document a photography failure. That said, Heaton occasionally has; and while I'm no Heaton, I have too.
Failure happens more often than most non-photographers know. It's part of the process and one cannot grow creatively without occasionally failing.
I definitely think TH-cam adds pressure but I felt like this long before I did TH-cam. In fact, i think i used to be worse when it was my sole focus.
Great content Adam ..excellent captures .You’ve set me off with looking at Lexar sd cards ..I normally buy Sandisk .Lexar are half the price , thank you x
Stunning images Adam, beautiful sunset
Thanks Brian
As always, thank you Adam (even if I don't comment enough). I think the slump may have to do with the changing seasons. For me, I notice I tend to get a bit doubtful, but I think that's also because I can't travel much. Taking photos of the same area will have me thinking I'm running out of good ideas.
Adam you’re pics are amazing buddy. I struggle with confidence and feel that the narrative I want to tell no body is listening. That last image is so emotional it spurs me on . You really have a special talent in sharing the wonders of our home . Thank you.
Wow. Thanks Malcolm. Glad to hear you're motivated.
three exceptional images Adam and get what you were saying about pressures to upload. I saw a bit of traction last year on my IG account and attributed it to a regular run of posting images and started to feel the need to post for the sake of posting but I have realised that is not what I am about so I still post but it's back to the point where I feel motivated to process what I have taken and then post thereafter
Another great video from you. I appreciate the "good, bad, and ugly thoughts" that you include.
I haven’t really gone out and shot anything since I moved to the US. My interest kicked up a little while ago and I’ve been buried in your videos, Nigel’s vids and recently James’ Ps stuff. To say you’ve all inspired me to get off my arse and get back out with the camera is an understatement. Thank you.
Agree 100% these guys including Mads from Denmark, provide a vital community service.
Me too, including Mads. There seems to be a little club of sorts 😊
Yep. I don't think i'm in it though.
@@Firstmanphotography man - you do a great job - we love your videos - listen to your audience - I could not do what you do and nearly all the people who watch these videos have not idea the work involved,
Mate, you do a fantastic job. You’re putting this stuff together and basically giving it away for free. You shouldn’t underestimate the impact your passion and skill has on others. Your videos have done what 10 years away has never achieved - you made me a little homesick.
The first mono picture was OK but when all the colour was creeping in to your other pictures I thought why shoot mono! everything was screaming colour but you must of had your reasons, overall it was a great photo shoot with you again in a stunning location, well done Adam and thanks for taking us there....
Thank you for your work, and perspective. I like your channel for the mental health aspects of landscape photography. You do you, never chase those views and the views will come.
@4:00 a pano might look good on those trees, with a little heather at the bottom... I like your monochrome. I don't get the pressure to creat because my main gig is Accounting. We have the same tripod... I'm taking it to the Faroes next year and I'm worried its a bit heavy. Not sure how you didn't eat a fly or two during this vlog :) Freaking awesome shot there at the end Adam! Well done.
I think staking your opinion of the outing on one criteria (landscape) is the flaw- I have a pal , we meet at a local beach , shoot the dawn landscapes and have a coffee and a natter afterwards ... last week I told him I was going but he couldn't make it ... a bit slow and sad heading out at dawn to drive over there ... ended up meeting another shooter , a model and spent the morning shooting with them - now we are planning a shoot with grinders and sparks ... restricting yourself to one genre is n(to me) the flaw
Adam, this is a wonderful, video, You are a 1st class professional photographer, your eye for a composition is fantastic & you understand the fors & against of the environment being captured is second to non. You are a grounded level headed professional who doesn't faulter in the work produced & the advice being offered. I follow a few Pro photographers on You tube but always find myself visiting your channel before the others. Your work is great mate & as for having doubts about your recent work, put them to bed mate & carry on producing the results you are
Well said!
Lovely last image Adam - all achieved whilst being hounded by ALL those flies! Keep up the good work, always look forward to your video's. Many thanks.
Great video and important points. I work within a 'lower' context in terms of skill, quality and quantity but I constantly struggle. I'm never satisfied technically nor visually (within, again, my lesser context) but by far my biggest struggle is for good landscape / nature subject matter. I live in a flat and "mono" environment, so to speak, in that it's all very much alike. There are no hills, no cliffs, no waterfalls, no vistas, no mountain lakes, etc. so finding compositions is my biggest struggle ...and naturally the sweeping / visceral scenes are what really appeal to me. Naturally. 🙂 So it's a struggle to (what often feels like) invent subject matter. I totally get it.
Have you considered shooting at a super low angle, perhaps no more than a couple of cm's of the ground. Even flat boring and featureless landscapes can be turned into a world of canyons peaks and mountains when the viewpoint is that of an ant. Add to that rain, snow, frost or ice and your vista you are looking for is right under your feet, full of texture pattern, light and shadows.
@@GeoffMoorePhotography That's definitely an idea, actually one that I've tried. It's possible to get an abstracted pseudo "landscape" that way but it's not quite the same as having the real thing in front of you. 🙂 I live in Louisiana (US) and most rural places are either private / commercial farmland, dense under-grown pine forest or (often flooded) swamp. But I'm still looking -- Maybe there's an uncharted mountain lurking somewhere! LOL Thanks.
@@lphilpot01 swamps you say.... Clyde Butcher springs to mind. Might be some inspiration to be had.
I appreciate your view on hoping to find a mountain hehe, I'm landlocked in middle of England, with flat market garden farmland so I long for the coast. Found a couple of rivers 😀
Beautiful images Adam. I really struggle to post regularly, working full time doesn't give time to get out and about with the camera. I do feel that unless you post a few times a week then interest in your work drops off , well in my case anyway.
And no other people, perfect.
Perfect for an evening like that.
Really fantastic images! I'd love to see this heather landscape someday. Keep up the good work!
Thanks mate. Will do.
Lovely end image Adam! Really gorgeous shot.
The images were awesome Adam, I think your being too hard on yourself. Your a fantastic knowledgeable photographer, that’s why we’re here to learn from you. Yes I have friends that try to post content on social media every day..some every hour. There is no need to put that pressure on one’s self then it’s not fun, at least for me. No your not going to get a special shot every time….but you got out and tried, and saw nature good or bad….I feel bad for all those stuck on the couch..😊
Ha yeah. Thats a good point. Thanks
I don't feel pressure uploading to social media but I do feel frustration coming home with nothing especially after a 2 hrs drive ...the joys of irish weather
In response to your question, I think not photographing anything on an outing shows that you're being intentional and selective in your compositions. Certainly, if I come across something that strikes me when I had a quite different idea in my head, I flex and take the shot. But I'm okay with going out and occasionally returning without having triggered my shutter. And I still got to be out in nature on those occasions.
Very true. Even if I come back with nothing i do like to come back with some increased knowledge or a composition ready for another day.
Adam, a great image and I really appreciate your motivational thoughts on the environment and the appreciation that you show towards nature. Self-doubt will keep you humble and push you to always strive to be better. Great work and keep it up!
You shoot RAW, Maybe change the Jpeg settings for your monitor display? Maybe your settings for the Jpeg are too flat and not providing enough contrast. When I look at the back of my camera I see a rich vibrant image. That provides an lift in my mood.
Hy Adam, some stunning heather shown in this video and i think having some time in the great outdoors is the medication required in today's world of doom and gloom, or simply ignoring the media also works.. I also think you often dont have to travel far, but rather temper your expectations and enjoy what you have around you for what it is, often I find what I thought was 'boring' ends up revealing something I have never noticed before and inspiration and motivation naturally forms from this.
You mention confidence in your photography, I wonder if this a continuous sine wave experienced by all creatives at some point or other (imho)... many start off with knowing little about photography (insert craft here) and have little confidence with the camera and what images they produce. As one develops with experience and practice, confidence then builds, producing a soft arrogance, "I know what to do, and how to do it" this period lasts a while.... and then the mastering of the craft starts to happen, you become less confident in what your producing, you question your output, you question the perceived quality through your eyes of experience and emotion, out of know where you suddenly have expectations in creating something better than last week, last month or last year....
The trap is to fall for that negative view that competition with oneself and constantly comparing yourself with yourself and to others! rather we as creatives should embrace the slow days, the down time the lack of creativity. use that time to reflect on the accomplishments, reflect on the journey and the progress of our peers and understand that crisis of confidence in our art, is required, like sleep; to expand upon our understanding and relationship without selves and our craft to guide us on what we like and what we don't like to motivate us to follow that instinct, and not to be to hard on yourself... the world has plenty of those people who will do that to you for free... I think, if your kind to yourself, take some time to 'play', then you will come full circle, your 'art' returns and you grow.
Geoff.
Thanks for this amazing video. Yes, I also need a lot of inspiration to be creative but it is not always easyl
Fantastic pictures as usual. Can you divulge where you take these pictures , it may help to find places to shoot.
Great video and respect for environment again Adam. Your photography has always been superb Adam so that's not a thing you need worry about. Its true we all have our issues in life but your photography is not one you need worry about. At least not from where I sit.
Thats a good point. Thanks.
Ruts are difficult to get out of. You do have the added need to produce content, which may add pressure, but also forces you to look at scenes critically. Out of this comes great inspiration. Well done!
Personally, I have spent the entire winter (Australia) shooting sports for the local clubs and am finding it difficult to get out and use the camera for what I love.
A change is as good as a rest though.
Personally I both feel the need to constantly post photos on social media however also not. However while I'm trying to grow my presene, hence the wanting to post more, I'm also not at a critical mass or anything (around 100 followers if that) so I both feel and don't feel the pressure. That said I also find it hard to be productive photo wise because of my job and also not being ble to travel far atm, which when you're not as thrilled with your local area picture wise as you could be because you're always there... so that alone leaves me with less things to post on social media too.
It's very normal to feel under pressure because we often criticize ourselves harshly. but yeah, I do believe that everyone has trouble sharing things on social media.
Lovely as always Adam, I have been to this location a few times and its gorgeous but I have struggled to find really nice compositions, your video inspires me to keep trying so thank you!
That's a lovely shot, Adam. As for pressure? I think the pressure for me is in weekly videos and I think that's showing in some recent ones. I don't post much on Insta or Faceache so don't feel the pressure there, but the weekly vid certainly can be challenging. One of my biggest issues is still self doubt. It's hard, Adam. Keep making great images.
Hi There!. Awesome photos and great video. Really inspiring. I would like to add that in my case, the reason I do photography is to capture the beauty that surrounds me and the reason I posted it in social me is to share that beauty with people, hoping they might learn to admire and see beauty in nature and all things as I do... best regards!...
I am considering buying a Tilt/Shift lens for landscapes & woodland , as a professional would you see any use for one.
Absolutely. Can be a vital tool. Apart from making perfect panoramas its also great for keeping vertical lines straight and controlling the focus plane.
@@Firstmanphotography I follow alot of woodland/landscape photographers but I don't recall any using these lenses. Is it cost or a bit complicated.
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I keep forgetting to ask how your eyesight is fairing Adam? I remember watching the video when you first mentioned you were having problems.
On the subject of feeling like I constantly need to be uploading photos to social media.. yes, that a bit of an issue for me. It's been about three weeks since I posted anything on Instagram and I feel like people will have forgotten about me!
I always compare landscape photography with fishing....you can fish for hours, have the right conditions, have the correct bait, cast in the right areas but sometimes after hours of fishing....you end up with no fish.Landscape photography is exactly the same.
I like it
Hi Adam, I think your a bit hard on yourself old mate, the last image was a cracker. I’ve learnt that if your shoot images to suit what you like is all that matters, start believing in yourself 👍
Photographers should broaden their Photography. No need to leave without a photo. Landscape doesn't work, go for macro or wildlife. Maybe an old cottage with flower garden. Don't constrain ones self with one type of Photography.
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